Alex Hales doubtful for third Test

England batsman Alex Hales could miss the third Test against South Africa in Johannesburg because of a throat infection.

This would be disappointing news, especially as Hales has had to wait so long to finally get a chance. I was hoping he would get a full run in the team as he offers something different at the top of the order. Fortunately, England can slide Compton up to open with Cook and bring back Gary Ballance to bat at 3 - but that is a very defensive top top 3 - luckily, the middle-order is stacked with stroke players in Root, Taylor, Stokes, Bairstow and Mo.